Which one to buy first ?

[bananaman]

I don't even have to think about it.......the 25. Of course I like 45 Colt. Getting harder to find. I have a 25-15. One of my favorites. IF I only had a 25-7??? Bob

 

[Hawg Rider]

I'll go along with the Model 25-3 gang...although I'm not a commemorative collector- I like the gun, the bbl. length, and the caliber. However, in many cases it doesn't appear that the 25-3s are selling for as much as the online sellers were looking to get. Maybe because the 25-3s are commemoratives. As jcelect pointed out, this is a case of apples and oranges when it comes to size, purpose/usage, price, ammo, etc. Tough decision...choose wisely, or buy both!

 

[John Patrick]

Guns are not really that good of an investment and commemorative guns are exceptionally not that good of an investment. Now, if a commemorative celebrates something near and dear to you, then by all means grab it but don't expect many others to get excited.

Regarding commemoratives, they are often in very nice condition. I've only bought one, and I bought it for the gun, not the commemoration. I think that's a viable approach.

25. EDIT: HawgRider is right, get both!

Fwiw, a LGS had both a 340 and a 349 for sale when I was there yesterday. $595 and $585, iirc.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

A M649 is with me almost every day. I don't have any interest in a collectible that I won't shoot.

 

[Imissedagain]

Welcome aboard!
You might want to read up on the 25 series Smiths as to oversized throats and shorter cylinders.
Link for starters:

MODEL 25 QUESTION

 

[greenmachine]

25-3 obviously. I've been collecting Smith & Wessons for more than half of my life and had to Google the 649. No interest there whatever.

 

[Dave from Pa]

Buy both. They are no longer made. Negotiate a price for the package.

My thoughts exactly, buy both.

 

[Grayfox]

I dearly love the N-frame .45 Colt revolvers. But .....
If you want a safe queen and a collectible, the 25-3 will do. But S&W commemoratives have never held much value over the same gun as a standard model.
However, if you want a shooter, the 25-3 is the last one you would want. These were made with the shorter .45acp cylinder and some heavy bullet .45 Colt loads are too long. Worse yet, the cylinder throats were way over sized and these guns are noted as noticeably inaccurate. I looked at one once thinking of buying it. A drop test with a .454" bullet fell straight through without even slowing down.
If you want a .45 Colt shooter, look for a 25-5 or later.

 

[Birdhunter6]

If I were in your position I would be interested in the 25 because I don't have one. But only at a reasonable price. I don't believe the commemoratives hold value except in an unfired w/box, papers & tools condition (Like any other well made out of production revolver). I wouldn't be interested in one like that since I'm a shooter first and nothing in my collection is unfired. In good used condition, as a shooter I would be all over it if I could negotiate a the right price.

Having said that, I carry a 640-1 daily. If you do not have a Snub J frame .38 or .357, you NEED one. Just my opinion but the steel frame DAO Chief in a pocket holster is the best possible combination of concealability and dependability available.

 

[heeter3]

Like some of the others.Id buy both.

 

[Dave.357]

I have the 25-3 I shoot lead semi wad cutters at just under 900fPS
It shoots fine. I did not pay collector price nor would I.

 

[StillStanding]

25-3 or 649

Thanks for all of your great advice, good reasons to buy either or both. Since I do intend on shooting the 25-3 Commemorative and their harder to find, that will be my first purchase followed with the 649. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to purchase these two fine Smith & Wesson handguns and will take them out to the range when this cold New England weather warms up !
I'll post photos as I get them.
What a wealth of knowledge you have, thanks for sharing!